Neurotoxin component treatment for spasticity

ABSTRACT

A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of  Botulinum  toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/933,723,filed Sep. 2, 2004 which is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/627,118, filed Apr. 3, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,578, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 08/173,996, filed Dec. 28, 1993,now abandoned. The contents of these prior applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel methods for treating variousdisorders and conditions, with Botulinum toxins. Importantly, thepresent invention provides methods useful in relieving pain related tomuscle activity or contracture and therefore is of advantage in thetreatment of, for example, muscle spasm such as Temporomandibular JointDisease, low back pain, myofascial pain, pain related to spasticity anddystonia, as well as sports injuries, and pain related to contracturesin arthritis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heretofore, Botulinum toxins, in particular Botulinum toxin type A, hasbeen used in the treatment of a number of neuromuscular disorders andconditions involving muscular spasm; for example, strabismus,blepharospasm, spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia), oromandibulardystonia and spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia). The toxin bindsrapidly and strongly to presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals andinhibits the exocytosis of acetylcholine by decreasing the frequency ofacetylcholine release. This results in local paralysis and hencerelaxation of the muscle afflicted by spasm.

For one example of treating neuromuscular disorders, see U.S. Pat. No.5,053,005 to Borodic, which suggests treating curvature of the juvenilespine, i.e., scoliosis, with an acetylcholine release inhibitor,preferably Botulinum toxin A.

For the treatment of strabismus with Botulinum toxin type A, see Elston,J. S., et al., British Journal of Opthalmology, 1985, fl, 718-724 and891-896. For the treatment of blepharospasm with Botulinum toxin type A,see Adenis, J. P., et al., J. Fr. Opthalmol., 1990, 13 (5) at pages259-264. For treating squint, see Elston, J. S., Eye, 1990, 4 (4):VII.For treating spasmodic and oromandibular dystonia torticollis, seeJankovic et al., Neurology, 1987, 37, 616-623.

Spasmodic dysphonia has been treated with Botulinum toxin type A. SeeBlitzer et al., Ann. Otol. Rhino. Laryngol, 1985, 94, 591-594. Lingualdystonia was treated with Botulinum toxin type A according to Brin etal., Adv. Neurol. (1987) 50, 599-608. Finally, Cohen et al., Neurology(1987) 37 (Suppl. 1), 123-4, discloses the treatment of writer's crampwith Botulinum toxin type A.

The term Botulinum toxin is a generic term embracing the family oftoxins produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum and, todate, seven immunologically distinct neurotoxins have been identified.These have been given the designations A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Forfurther information concerning the properties of the various Botulinumtoxins, reference is made to the article by Jankovic and Brin, The NewEngland Journal of Medicine, No. 17, 1990, pp. 1186-1194, and to thereview by Charles L. Hatheway in Chapter 1 of the book entitledBotulinum Neurotoxin and Tetanus Toxin, L. L. Simpson, Ed., published byAcademic Press Inc. of San Diego, Calif., 1989, the disclosures in whichare incorporated herein by reference.

The neurotoxic component of Botulinum toxin has a molecular weight ofabout 150 kilodaltons and is thought to comprise a short polypeptidechain of about 50 kD which is considered to be responsible for the toxicproperties of the toxin, i.e., by interfering with the exocytosis ofacetylcholine, by decreasing the frequency of acetylcholine release, anda larger polypeptide chain of about 100 kD which is believed to benecessary to enable the toxin to bind to the pre-synaptic membrane.

The “short” and “long” chains are linked together by means of a simpledisulfide bridge. (It is noted that certain serotypes of Botulinumtoxin, e.g., type E, may exist in the form of a single chain un-nickedprotein, as opposed to a dichain. The single chain form is less activebut may be converted to the corresponding dichain by nicking with aprotease, e.g., trypsin. Both the single and the dichain are useful inthe method of the present invention).

In general, four physiologic groups of C. botulinum are recognized (I,II, III, IV). The organisms capable of producing a serologicallydistinct toxin may come from more than one physiological group. Forexample, Type B and F toxins can be produced by strains from Group I orII. In addition, other strains of clostridial species (C. baratii, typeF; C. butyricum, type E; C. novyl, type C₁ or D) have been identifiedwhich can produce botulinum neurotoxins.

Immunotoxin conjugates of ricin and antibodies, which are characterizedas having enhanced cytotoxicity through improving cell surface affinity,are disclosed in European Patent specification 0 129 434. The inventorsnote that botulinum toxin may be utilized in place of ricin.

Botulinum toxin is obtained commercially by establishing and growingcultures of C. botulinum in a fermenter and then harvesting andpurifying the fermented mixture in accordance with known techniques.

Botulinum toxin type A, the toxin type generally utilized in treatingneuromuscular conditions, is currently available commercially fromseveral sources; for example, from Porton Products Ltd. UK, under thetrade name “DYSPORT,” and from Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif., under thetrade name BOTOX®.

It is one object of the invention to provide novel treatments ofneuromuscular disorders and conditions with various Botulinum toxintypes. It is another object of the present invention to relieve painwith various Botulinum toxin types.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for relieving pain, associatedwith muscle contractions, a composition and a method of treatingconditions such as cholinergic controlled secretions including excessivesweating, lacrimation and mucus secretions and a method for treatingsmooth muscle disorders including, but not limited to, spasms in thesphincter of the cardiovascular arteriole, gastrointestinal system,urinary, gall bladder and rectum, which method comprises administeringto the patient suffering from said disorder or condition atherapeutically effective amount of Botulinum toxin selected from thegroup consisting of Botulinum toxin types Br C, D, E, F and G.

Each serotype of Botulinum toxin has been identified as immunologicallydifferent proteins through the use of specific antibodies. For example,if the antibody (antitoxin) recognizes, that is, neutralizes thebiological activity of, for example, type A it will not recognize typesB, C, D, E, F or G.

While all of the Botulinum toxins appear to be zinc endopeptidases, themechanism of action of different serotypes, for example, A and E withinthe neuron appear to be different than that of Type B. In addition, theneuronal surface “receptor” for the toxin appears to be different forthe serotypes.

In the area of use of the Botulinum toxins in accordance with thepresent invention with regard to organ systems which involve the releaseof neurotransmitter, it is expected to introduce the toxins A, B, C, D,E, F, and G directly by local injections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Botulinum toxins used according to the present invention areBotulinum toxins type A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

The physiologic groups of Clostridium botulinum types are listed inTable I.

TABLE I Physiologic Groups of Clostridium botulinum Phenotypically ToxinRelated Sero- Milk Glucose Phages & Clostridium Group Type BiochemistryDigest Fermentation Lipase Plasmids (nontoxigenic) I A, B.F Proteolyticsaccharolytic + + + + C. sporogenes II B, E, F Nonproteolytic − + + +saccharolytic psychotropic III C, D Nonproteolytic + + + + C. novyisaccharolytic − IV G Proteolytic + − − − C. subterminalenonsaccharolyticThese toxin types may be produced by selection from the appropriatephysiologic group of Clostridium botulinum organisms. The organismsdesignated as Group I are usually referred to as proteolytic and produceBotulinum toxins of types A, B and F. The organisms designated as GroupII are saccharolytic and produce Botulinum toxins of types B, E and F.The organisms designated as Group III produce only Botulinum toxin typesC and D and are distinguished from organisms of Groups I and II by theproduction of significant amounts of propionic acid. Group IV organismsonly produce neurotoxin of type G. The production of any and all of theBotulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G are described in Chapter 1of Botulinum Neurotoxin and Tetanus Toxin, cited above, and/or thereferences cited therein. Botulinum toxins types B, C, D, E, F and G arealso available from various species of clostridia.

Currently fourteen species of clostridia are considered pathogenic. Mostof the pathogenic strains produce toxins which are responsible for thevarious pathological signs and symptoms. Organisms which produceBotulinum toxins have been isolated from botulism outbreaks in humans(types A, B, E and F) and animals (types C and D). Their identities weredescribed through the use of specific antitoxins (antibodies) developedagainst the earlier toxins. Type G toxin was found in soil and has lowtoxigenicity. However, it has been isolated from autopsy specimens, butthus far there has not been adequate evidence that type G botulism hasoccurred in humans.

Preferably, the toxin is administered by means of intramuscularinjection directly into a local area such as a spastic muscle,preferably in the region of the neuromuscular junction, althoughalternative types of administration (e.g., subcutaneous injection),which can deliver the toxin directly to the affected region, may beemployed where appropriate. The toxin can be presented as a sterilepyrogen-free aqueous solution or dispersion and as a sterile powder forreconstitution into a sterile solution or dispersion.

Where desired, tonicity adjusting agents such as sodium chloride,glycerol and various sugars can be added, stabilizers such as humanserum albumin may also be included. The formulation may be preserved bymeans of a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable preservative such as aparaben, although preferably it is unpreserved.

It is preferred that the toxin is formulated in unit dosage form; forexample, it can be provided as a sterile solution in a vial or as a vialor sachet containing a lyophilized powder for reconstituting a suitablevehicle such as saline for injection.

In one embodiment, the Botulinum toxin is formulated in a solutioncontaining saline and pasteurized human serum albumin, which stabilizesthe toxin and minimizes loss through non-specific adsorption. Thesolution is sterile filtered (0.2 micron filter), filled into individualvials and then vacuum-dried to give a sterile lyophilized powder. Inuse, the powder can be reconstituted by the addition of sterileunpreserved normal saline (sodium chloride 0.9% for injection).

The dose of toxin administered to the patient will depend upon theseverity of the condition; e.g., the number of muscle groups requiringtreatment, the age and size of the patient and the potency of the toxin.The potency of the toxin is expressed as a multiple of the LD₅₀ valuefor the mouse, one unit (U) of toxin being defined as being theequivalent to that amount, on a per mouse basis, that kills 50% of agroup of Swiss-Webster mice weighing between 17 and 22 grams each.

The dosages used in human therapeutic applications are roughlyproportional to the mass of muscle being injected. Typically, the doseadministered to the patient may be up from about 0.01 to about 1,000units; for example, up to about 500 units, and preferably in the rangefrom about 80 to about 460 units per patient per treatment, althoughsmaller of larger doses may be administered in appropriate circumstancessuch as up to about 50 units for the relief of pain and in controllingcholinergic secretions.

As the physicians become more familiar with the use of this product, thedose may be changed. In the Botulinum toxin type A, available fromPorton, DISPORT, 1 nanogram (ng) contains 40 units. 1 ng of theBotulinum toxin type A, available from Allergan, Inc., i.e., BOTOX®,contains 4 units. The potency of Botulinum toxin and its long durationof action mean that doses will tend to be administered on an infrequentbasis. Ultimately, however, both the quantity of toxin administered andthe frequency of its administration will be at the discretion of thephysician responsible for the treatment and will be commensurate withquestions of safety and the effects produced by the toxin.

In some circumstances, particularly in the relief of pain associatedwith sports injuries, such as, for example, charleyhorse, botulinum typeF, having a short duration activity, is preferred.

The invention will now be illustrated by reference to the followingnonlimiting examples.

In each of the examples, appropriate areas of each patient are injectedwith a sterile solution containing the confirmation of Botulinum toxin.Total patient doses range from about 0.01 units to 460 units. Beforeinjecting any muscle group, careful consideration is given to theanatomy of the muscle group, the aim being to inject the area with thehighest concentration of neuromuscular junctions, if known. Beforeinjecting the muscle, the position of the needle in the muscle isconfined by putting the muscle through its range of motion and observingthe resultant motion of the needle end. General anaesthesia, localanaesthesia and sedation are used according to the age of the patient,the number of sites to be injected, and the particular needs of thepatient. More than one injection and/or sites of injection may benecessary to achieve the desired result. Also, some injections,depending on the muscle to be injected, may require the use of fine,hollow, teflon-coated needles, guided by electromyography.

Following injection, it is noted that there are no systemic or localside effects and none of the patients are found to develop extensivelocal hypotonicity. The majority of patients show an improvement infunction both subjectively and when measured objectively.

EXAMPLE 1 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Type in the Treatment of TardiveDyskinesia

A male patient, age 45, suffering from tardive dyskinesia resulting fromthe treatment with an antipsychotic drug, such as Thorazine or Haldol,is treated with 150 units of Botulinum toxin type B by direct injectionof such toxin into the facial muscles. After 1-3 days, the symptoms oftardive dyskinesia, i.e., orofacial dyskinesia, athetosis, dystonia,chorea, tics and facial grimacing, etc. are markedly reduced.

EXAMPLE 1(A)

The method of Example 1 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom tardive dyskinesia is injected with 50-200 units of Botulinum toxintype C. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 1(B)

The method of Example 1 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom tardive dyskinesia is injected with 50-200 units of Botulinum toxintype 0. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 1(C)

The method of Example 1 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom tardive dyskinesia is injected with 50-200 units of Botulinum toxintype E. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 1(D)

The method of Example 1 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom tardive dyskinesia is injected with 50-200 units of Botulinum toxintype F. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 1(E)

The method of Example 1 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom tardive dyskinesia is injected with 50-200 units of Botulinum toxintype G. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Type B in the Treatment ofSpasmodic Torticollis

A male, age 45, suffering from spasmodic torticollis, as manifested byspasmodic or tonic contractions of the neck musculature, producingstereotyped abnormal deviations of the head, the chin being rotated toone side, and the shoulder being elevated toward the side at which thehead is rotated, is treated by injection with 100-1,000 units ofBotulinum toxin type E. After 3-7 days, the symptoms are substantiallyalleviated; i.e., the patient is able to hold his head and shoulder in anormal position.

EXAMPLE 2(A)

The method of Example 2 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic torticollis is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type B. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2(B)

The method of Example 2 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic torticollis is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type C. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2(C)

The method of Example 2 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic torticollis is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type D. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2(D)

The method of Example 2 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic torticollis is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type E. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2(E)

The method of Example 2 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic torticollis is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type F. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2(F)

The method of Example 2 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic torticollis is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type G. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3 The Use of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of EssentialTremor

A male, age 45, suffering from essential tremor, which is manifested asa rhythmical oscillation of head or hand muscles and is provoked bymaintenance of posture or movement, is treated by injection with50-1,000 units of Botulinum toxin type B. After two to eight weeks, thesymptoms are substantially alleviated; i.e., the patient's head or handceases to oscillate.

EXAMPLE 3(A)

The method of Example 3 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom essential tremor is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type C. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3(B)

The method of Example 3 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom essential tremor is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type D. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3(C)

The method of Example 3 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom essential tremor is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type E. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3(D)

The method of Example 3 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom essential tremor is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type F. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3(E)

The method of Example 3 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom essential tremor is injected with 100-1,000 units of Botulinumtoxin type G. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4 The Use of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of SpasmodicDysphonia

A male, age 45, unable to speak clearly, due to spasm of the vocalchords, is treated by injection of the vocal chords with Botulinum toxintype B, having an activity of 80-500 units. After 3-7 days, the patientis able to speak clearly.

EXAMPLE 4(A)

The method of Example 4 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic dysphonia is injected with 80-500 units of Botulinumtoxin type C. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4(B)

The method of Example 4 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic dysphonia is injected with 80-500 units of Botulinumtoxin type D. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4(C)

The method of Example 4 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic dysphonia is injected with 80-500 units of Botulinumtoxin type E. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4(D)

The method of Example 4 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic dysphonia is injected with 80-500 units of Botulinumtoxin type F. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4(E)

The method of Example 4 is repeated, except that a patient sufferingfrom spasmodic dysphonia is injected with 8-500 units of Botulinum toxintype G. A similar result is obtained.

EXAMPLE 5 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofExcessive Sweating, Tacrimation or Mucus Secretion or Other CholinerpicControlled Secretions

A male, age 65, with excessive unilateral sweating is treated byadministering 0.01 to 50 units, of Botulinum toxin, depending upondegree of desired effect. The larger the dose, usually the greaterspread and duration of effect. Small doses are used initially. Anyserotype toxin alone or in combination could be used in this indication.The administration is to the gland nerve plexus, ganglion, spinal cordor central nervous system to be determined by the physician's knowledgeof the anatomy and physiology of the target glands and secretary cells.In addition, the appropriate spinal cord level or brain area can beinjected with the toxin (although this would cause many effects,including general weakness). Thus, the gland (if accessible) or thenerve plexus or ganglion are the targets of choice. Excessive sweating,tearing (lacrimation), mucus secretion or gastrointestinal secretionsare positively influenced by the cholinergic nervous system. Sweatingand tearing are under greater cholinergic control than mucus or gastricsecretion and would respond better to toxin treatment. However, mucusand gastric secretions could be modulated through the cholinergicsystem. All symptoms would be reduced or eliminated with toxin therapyin about 1-7 days. Duration would be weeks to several months.

EXAMPLE 6 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofMuscle Spasms in Smooth Muscle Disorders Such As Sphincters of theCardiovascular Arteriole, Gastrointestinal System, Urinary or GallBladder, Rectal, Etc.

A male, age 30-40, with a constricted pyloric valve which prevents hisstomach from emptying, is treated by administering 1-50 units ofBotulinum toxin. The administration is to the pyloric valve (whichcontrols release of stomach contents into the intestine) divided into 2to 4 quadrants, injections made with any endoscopic device or duringsurgery. In about 1-7 days, normal emptying of the stomach, eliminationor drastic reduction in regurgitation occurs.

EXAMPLE 7 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofMuscle Spasms and Control of Pain Associated with Muscle Spasms inTemporal Mandibular Joint Disorders

A female, age 35, is treated by administration of 0.1 to 50 units totalof Botulinum toxin. The administration is to the muscles controlling theclosure of the jaw. Overactive muscles may be identified with ENG(electromyography) guidance. Relief of pain associated with musclespasms, possible reduction in jaw clenching occurs in about 1-3 days.

EXAMPLE 8 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofMuscle Spasms and Control of Pain Associated with Muscle spasms inConditions Secondary to Sports Injuries (Charleyhorse)

A male, age 20, with severe cramping in thigh after sports injury istreated by administration of a short duration toxin, possible low dose(0.1-25 units) of preferably type F to the muscle and neighboringmuscles which are in contraction (“cramped”). Relief of pain occurs in1-7 days.

EXAMPLE 9 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofMuscle Spasms and Control of Pain Associated with Muscle Spasms inSmooth Muscle Disorders Such as Gastrointestinal Muscles

A female, age 35, with spastic colitis, is treated with 1-100 units ofBotulinum toxin divided into several areas, enema (1-5 units) deliveredin the standard enema volume, titrate dose, starting with the lowestdose. Injection is to the rectum or lower colon or a low dose enema maybe employed. Cramps and pain associated with spastic colon are relievedin 1-10 days.

EXAMPLE 10 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofMuscle Spasms and Control of Pain Associated with Muscle Spasms inSpasticity Conditions Secondary to Stroke, Traumatic Brain or SpinalCord Injury

A male, age 70, post-stroke or cerebral vascular event, is injected with50 to 300 units of Botulinum toxin in the major muscles involved insevere closing of hand and curling of wrist and forearm or the musclesinvolved in the closing of the legs such that the patient and attendanthave difficulty with hygiene. Relief of these symptoms occurs in 7 to 21days.

EXAMPLE 11 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofPatients with Swallowing Disorders

A patient with a swallowing disorder caused by excessive throat musclespasms is injected with about 1 to about 300 units of Botulinum toxin inthe throat muscles. Relief the swallowing disorder occurs in about 7 toabout 21 days.

EXAMPLE 12 The Use of Botulinum Toxin Types A-G in the Treatment ofPatients with Tension Headache

A patient with a tension headache caused by excessive throat musclespasms is injected with about 1 to about 300 units of Botulinum toxin inmuscles of the head and upper neck. Relief of the tension headacheoccurs in about 1 to about 7 days.

Although there has been hereinabove described a use of Botulinum toxinsfor treating various disorders, conditions and pain, in accordance withthe present invention, for the purpose of illustrating the manner inwhich the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciatedthat the invention is not limited thereto since many obviousmodifications can be made, and it is intended to include within thisinvention any such modifications as will fall within the scope of theappended claims. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations, orequivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art,should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention asdefined in the appended claims.

1. A method for treating spasticity, the method comprising the step ofadministering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of theneurotoxic component from a single serotype of a botulinum toxin, tothereby treat the spasticity, wherein the neurotoxic componentadministered to the patient has been purified from a botulinum toxinobtained by fermenting Clostridium botulinum.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the single botulinum toxin serotype, from which the neurotoxiccomponent administered is purified, is selected from the groupconsisting of botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the botulinum toxin is botulinum toxin typeA.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein between about 1 unit and about 250units of the neurotoxic component of the botulinum toxin isadministered.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the neurotoxic componenthas a molecular weight of about 150 kilodaltons.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the spasticity is a post-stroke spasticity.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the spasticity is secondary to a brain injury.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the spasticity is secondary to a spinal cordinjury.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the neurotoxic component isadministered by local administration.
 10. A method for treatingspasticity, the method comprising the step of administering to a patienta therapeutically effective amount of the neurotoxic component of only abotulinum toxin type A to thereby treat the spasticity, wherein theneurotoxic component administered to the patient has been purified froma botulinum toxin obtained by fermenting a Clostridium botulinumbacterium.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the neurotoxic componenthas a molecular weight of about 150 kilodaltons.
 12. The method of claim10, wherein the spasticity is a post-stroke spasticity.
 13. The methodof claim 10, wherein the spasticity is secondary to a brain injury. 14.The method of claim 10, wherein the spasticity is secondary to a spinalcord injury.
 15. A method for treating post-stroke spasticity, themethod comprising the step of administering to a patient atherapeutically effective amount of the neurotoxic component of only abotulinum toxin type A to thereby treat the post-stroke spasticity,wherein the neurotoxic component administered to the patient has beenpurified from a botulinum toxin type A obtained by fermenting aClostridium botulinum bacterium.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theneurotoxic component has a molecular weight of about 150 kilodaltons.17. The method of claim 15, wherein the neurotoxic component isadministered by local administration.